In its five victories, Modesto has averaged 40 point-per-game. In their five losses, the Panthers scored just 14 ppg. So, which team will show up Friday at Sheldon to play for a spot in the Quarter-Finals?

That remains to be seen, but what is known, is that Modesto likes to run the football. An imposing corps of Running backs headline the Panthers’ offense. RBs Zaire Eugene (758 yds.) and James Hayes (612 yds.) lead the way, and Daeveon Graves (390 yds.) and Alonzo Rodriguez (305 yds.) pick up the slack.Wide receiver and Kick Return Specialist, Jaquile Ingram is a big play game-breaker.

Sheldon’s #8 Tyrell Smith picks up a loose ball after a blocked punt and returns the fumble 17 yards for a TD vs. Franklin Oct. 26

The burden for both clubs rests on their respective defensive units. Whichever team can slow and contain its opponent to fewer rushing yards should prevail. However, the wild card is the passing game, which generally provides just a meager contribution in the Total Offense category, but may be the ultimate X-Factor that provides the deciding points and winning margin.

Announcers (from left) Jim Dimino, Will James and Lauren Goodman.

Access Sacramento Announcer’s Will James and Jim Dimino call the action with Lauren Goodman on the sidelines for updates and player or coach interviews. Game of the Week is now in its 21st season providing coverage of Sacramento County high school and college athletics.

The regular season for high school football has concluded and the post-season is upon us. Beginning Thursday, because of Friday’s observance of the Veteran’s Day national holiday, opening round playoff games will kickoff throughout the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section.

Announcers Will James & Jim Dimino for Access Sacramento’s Game of the Week.

This live telecast called by Access Sacramento announcers Will James and Jim Dimino beginning at 7:00 pm, may be seen on Comcast channel 17, Consolidated Communications channel 17, and AT&T U-Verse channel 14. The game will only be streamed on the NFHS Network.

Sheldon Head Coach, Joe Cattolico, guided the Huskies through the rugged Delta League en route to another excellent 8-2 record, further confirming Sheldon’s return to prominence as a serious SJS title contender. Sheldon’s only losses were dealt by a pair of heavyweights, #4 seed Jesuit and Nevada state powerhouse, Reno High School.

Cosumnes Oaks ran the gauntlet this year, losing its first three games then slugging its way through a rugged Capital Valley Conference slate to win its last three games and pull even at 5-5 to draw the #11 seed. Despite their unimpressive record this season, the Pack is not to be played short.

Derick Milgrim’s Wolfpack is explosive and has enough punching power to flatten most of the ranked teams on any given night. While in the process of winning its last three games, the Pack continued to play with greater consistency and better execution. Suffice to say, the Wolfpack in Week-11 does not match the impressions some scouts may have formed early in the season.

Collins and Moore each have seven TD receptions. Collins has also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, and an interception for a touchdown. RB Jacob Trach is another big-play back, compiling 1225 total yards and 9 TD as a RB/REC/KR. Collins, Moore, and Trach, and occasionally-used WR/KR Corey Perkins, are important pieces of the puzzle.

Sheldon, with home field advantage and superior statistical accomplishments, appears as a clear favorite in this playoff opener. Nevertheless, the Huskies must bring their A-Game. Should the Wolfpack bring their A-Game as well, such a combo is bound to ignite some exciting fireworks.

For those who wished that last season’s CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division-1 Championship Game at Sacramento State had one more quarter to be played, the next best thing is on the playoff docket for Thanksgiving week Friday when heavyweights Folsom and Elk Grove square-off in a semi-final round marquee match-up of 11-1 teams that’s sure to attract the attention of all area high school football fans.

This live telecast may be seen at 7:00 pm on Comcast Cable channel 17, Consolidated Communications channel 17, and on AT&T U-Verse channel 14. The only live internet stream of the game will be available from the NFHS Network. The broadcast will be re-played Sat. Nov. 26 at 11:00 a.m., Sun. Nov. 27 at 3:00 a.m. and Tues. Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m. on the same channels. The replay broadcasts will also be streamed on AccessSacramento.org and will be available as video on demand from the NFHS Network.

Still haunted, Chris Nixon’s #3 Herd is out to avenge last year’s bitter defeat, and brings plenty of firepower to get the job done. Senior QB Jayden Machado has maneuvered the Wing-T masterfully and completed 67% of his passes for nearly 2000 yards and 31 TDs. Receivers Jonas McMillan, Gavin Reinwald and Damario McLean have accounted for 102 receptions and 25 TDs, while RBs Zion Thomas and Jalen Brown collectively power the ground game with 1176 yards and 14 TD.

Was last season a fluke or is Hiram Johnson High School basketball regaining its crown?

Johnson Varsity basketball has opened a lot of eyes in the Sacramento metropolitan area.

Coach Stefan Villegas has changed the atmosphere around when it comes to HJHS basketball.

When asked was this season a fluke he said, “It was a big turnaround for our players and program.”

Coach Villegas thinks that they are coming back to the playoffs and that his players are hungrier than ever.

In the NBA, you have the Miami Heat and they have the “big 3” including Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. Hiram Johnson has there own big 3: Sophomore Vonte Grant, Junior Donald Jackson, and Junior Charles Mills.

According to Donald Jackson, he believes “The future is very bright because we have a lot of young players that have a lot of potential.”

According to Charles Mills, “Vonte brings a lot of energy to the game and he has the skill set of a varsity caliber type player.”

Coach Villegas is excited for the upcoming season. He communicates with his players everyday.

The big 3 appreciates Coach V because he is a great motivator teacher and Coach.